Galamsey Fight Is Urgent, But No Need for Curfew, Says Lands Minister

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, has explained why the government has not declared a state of emergency in areas affected by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, despite mounting calls from various groups for such action.

Ahead of the 2024 elections, several prominent figures, including members of the National Democratic Congress, Imani Africa’s Franklin Cudjoe, and media and civic leaders like Ken Ashigbey, advocated for a state of emergency in regions where galamsey is rampant.

Despite these calls, the government has refrained from taking such a drastic step, even after 79 days in office under the current administration.

In a recent interview with Accra-based Channel 1 Television, Minister Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the government is already treating galamsey as an urgent matter, working around the clock to tackle the issue.

“We are treating the matter as an emergency. I just told you, and we are working 24/7,” he said, adding that the situation is being handled with the necessary urgency.

He explained that in a free society, even in times of crisis, it is important to find solutions without resorting to fear and panic.

Instead of declaring a state of emergency, the government has focused on practical measures, such as reversing illegal mining activities in certain areas.

The Minister pointed to the success of reversing seven red zones to yellow, highlighting that the government is making progress in the fight against illegal mining.

Minister Buah also reassured the public that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo considers galamsey a top priority and is actively engaged in addressing the issue. “The president wants to make sure the people of Ghana can be assured that he is on top of this thing.

He is dealing with the issue, and we are making progress,” he said.

While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the Minister made it clear that the government’s approach is to address the galamsey issue without resorting to extreme measures such as curfews or mass panic.

“What we don’t want to do is to do a six o’clock announcement and tell the people of Ghana that a curfew has been declared,” he stated.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Minister Buah expressed confidence that the government would succeed in its efforts to combat galamsey, urging the people of Ghana to trust that the matter is being handled with the highest level of urgency.